New partnership to explore utility-scale BESS technologies for microgrids

Energy Plug Technologies, Malahat Battery Technologies and Enwind Power will collaborate on research, development and product localization strategies for utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) for microgrids.

Earlier this month, the three companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop microgrid energy storage systems.

Energy Plug, an energy technology company based in British Columbia, Canada, is currently developing a 20 kWh pole-mounted battery system and a 100 kWh ground-pad battery system.

“Energy Plug is rapidly adapting to meet market demand for microgrid battery storage units and distributed battery units for commercial and utility applications. We are excited to partner with Enwind Power to develop new battery products that can help future microgrid and battery life applications,” said Broderick Gunning, president and CEO of Energy Plug.

Enwind Power, a Taiwanese company specializing in research and development of energy science and battery-based applications, will collaborate with Energy Plug to distribute battery solutions to utilities, as well as commercial and industrial facilities.

The MoU aims to develop the microgrid industry in the North American and Latin American markets.

“The unique microgrid energy storage systems we plan to develop with Energy Plug are an increasingly important element of modern microgrid energy infrastructure,” said Charles Hsu, CEO of Enwind Power. “We look forward to working with Energy Plug to develop and locate efficient battery storage technologies for utility and commercial applications.”

The third party involved in the Arrangement is Malahat Battery Technologies, a partnership of Malahat First Nation and Energy Plug. Malahat will build the battery energy storage systems at a purpose-built assembly plant in British Columbia.

Battery storage will be key to integrating renewable energy into power grids, as it can alleviate some of the challenges associated with intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar. When combined with a microgrid, both technologies provide resilience as well as the ability to optimize energy consumption and reduce energy costs.

Stay up to date with the latest microgrid projects. Sign up for free Microgrid Knowledge Bulletin.